Chapter 447
Leaning forward conspiratorially, Theo pressed, “Intelligent people ought to be direct with one another. No need for games or evasion. So, what exactly prompted your visit today?”
Clive inhaled deeply, forcing down his rising resentment. “I’ve officially stepped away from my role. Are you willing to provide me with an opportunity in your organization?”
Theo arched an eyebrow and reclined in his seat. “Theoria Sciences operates in a specialized field, unlike the broader Stanley Group. Without a background in chemistry or medicine, I don’t see an immediate fit for your skills here.”
Clive held Theo’s intense stare and unexpectedly broke into a smile. “Is it perhaps that you lack confidence in my sincerity?”
Theo chuckled lightly. “Of course not. After all, the woman you hold dear—Lia—remains in my facility receiving treatment. For her to get the highest quality care, you’ll need to align with my directives. Why would I question your reliability?”
“Then what’s stopping you from bringing me on board at Theoria Sciences?” Clive persisted. “Though my professional experience isn’t directly aligned, I’ve spent years closely advising Brayden. I know him better than anyone, even surpassing Charlie’s insight. I could prove valuable to your efforts. And with Lia under your control, I wouldn’t risk any deception.”
Theo’s gaze sharpened momentarily before he nodded with a grin. “Fair enough—you’ve convinced me. Head over to human resources and finalize the onboarding paperwork. Starting immediately, you’ll serve as my personal assistant.”
Clive rose and moved toward the exit.
Theo called after him casually. “Once you’re officially part of the team, there’s no reversing course. In Brayden’s view, this will brand you as a complete betrayer.”
Without turning around, Clive responded firmly, “He was the one who played favorites, denying me the recognition and faith I had earned. Why should I continue showing unwavering allegiance to him? Especially after witnessing how ruthlessly he targeted Lia—any remaining faith I had in him vanished completely.”
The door clicked shut behind Clive. Shortly afterward, Theo’s secretary entered the office.
“That man was Brayden’s longtime aide,” the secretary cautioned. “Are you certain it’s wise to integrate him here so soon? What if this is some elaborate scheme orchestrated by Brayden?”
Theo smiled confidently. “No chance of that. I hold Clive’s vulnerability—his Achilles’ heel—in my grasp, so he wouldn’t dare attempt anything underhanded. Besides, my assessment was accurate: Brayden does indeed place greater trust in Charlie. Envy has a powerful way of pushing people toward rebellion.”
A shadow of old bitterness crossed Theo’s features as he reflected inwardly—it was that very same jealousy which had driven a permanent wedge between him and Brayden, setting them on irreconcilable courses.
Clive mirrored his own past frustrations, making him inherently relatable and trustworthy in Theo’s eyes.
Furthermore, Theo had already reviewed the leaked internal footage from the Stanley Group that was spreading across the internet.
A genuine reconciliation would never allow such damaging material to surface publicly.
Theo glanced up at his secretary. “What’s the status on that dedicated organic farming operation we’re setting up in the rural outskirts? The elite clientele demands the purest, chemical-free produce available—we must guarantee flawless quality to impress our VIP visitors.”
“Everything is fully prepared and operational, Mr. Theo Stanley,” the secretary reported quietly. “You can conduct an inspection tomorrow if you would like. Your additional confidential directives have also been implemented as requested.”
“Excellent—I’ll visit tomorrow then. If it meets expectations, I may even decide to house a special ‘pet’ there permanently,” Theo replied, evident anticipation gleaming in his eyes.
The following morning, Gracie joined Valeria for a visit to the Russells’.
Cathie’s pregnancy had advanced significantly, with delivery imminent, yet she now rested feebly in bed, her complexion drained and ashen.
Valeria exhaled heavily upon seeing her. “Why let yourself get so worked up? Remember, you’re carrying a child—you have to prioritize your well-being above all else right now.”
“Pregnant or not, I’m still the mother of five grown sons,” Cathie replied faintly. “Gifford has always been the most dependable and least troublesome among them since childhood. I never dreamed he would one day cause me such profound distress that it would make me physically…”
She shifted her gaze toward Gracie. “Gracie, whatever occurred previously was entirely Gifford’s wrongdoing, but I’ve already disciplined him appropriately for it.”
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